Rule2023-19900
Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
September 14, 2023
Effective
October 19, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that some batches of nose landing gear (NLG) drag brace panels (DBP) having certain part numbers were affected by a quality deficiency that was not detected in production. This AD requires a measurement of the affected part and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 177 (Thursday, September 14, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 177 (Thursday, September 14, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63007-63009]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-19900]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1206; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00068-T;
Amendment 39-22527; AD 2023-17-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; ATR--GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and ATR72
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that some batches of
nose landing gear (NLG) drag brace panels (DBP) having certain part
numbers were affected by a quality deficiency that was not detected in
production. This AD requires a measurement of the affected part and,
depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions,
as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits the
installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 19, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 19,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1206; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For EASA material incorporated by reference in this AD,
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9fdedbecdffafeecfeb1faeaedf0effeb1faea"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="29686d5a694c485a48074c5c5b465948074c5c">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You
may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> For Safran Landing Systems SAS service information
incorporated by reference in this AD, contact Safran Landing Systems
SAS, Inovel Parc Sud--7, rue G[eacute]n[eacute]ral Val[eacute]rie
Andr[eacute], 78140 VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY--FRANCE; telephone +33 (0) 1 46
29 81 00, website <a href="http://safran-landing-systems.com">safran-landing-systems.com</a>.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available in the AD docket at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-1206.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: 206-231-3220; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d1a2b9b0b9a3b0bcffb5b0bfb4a2b9bcb0bfb5b891b7b0b0ffb6bea7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d8abb0b9b0aab9b5f6bcb9b6bdabb0b5b9b6bcb198beb9b9f6bfb7ae">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all ATR--GIE Avions de
Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR 42-200, ATR 42-300, ATR 42-320, ATR
42-400, ATR 42-500, ATR 72-101, ATR 72-102, ATR 72-201, ATR 72-202, ATR
72-211, ATR 72-212, and ATR 72-212A airplanes. Model ATR 42-400
airplanes are not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the
U.S. type certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not include
those airplanes in the applicability. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on June 8, 2023 (88 FR 37481). The NPRM was prompted by AD
2023-0010, dated January 17, 2023, issued by EASA, which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD
2023-0010) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that it has
been determined that some batches of NLG DBP having part number (P/N)
D63757 and P/N D69085 were affected by a quality deficiency that was
not detected in production. Consequently, this issue could lead to NLG
DBP dissymmetry at the lower area, which might affect the structural
strength of the NLG DBP. This condition, if not addressed, could lead
to NLG DBP structural fatigue failure and subsequent collapse of the
NLG, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to
occupants.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a measurement of the
affected part and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable
corrective actions, as specified in EASA AD 2023-0010. The NPRM also
proposed to prohibit the installation of affected parts. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1206.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from Air Line Pilots Association,
International, who supported the NPRM without change.
Conclusion
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the
comment received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this
AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on this product. Except for minor editorial changes,
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will
increase the economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2023-0010 specifies procedures for measuring the affected
part and, depending on findings, accomplishing applicable corrective
actions. Corrective actions could include obtaining and carrying out
repair instructions, or replacing the affected part with a serviceable
part. EASA AD 2033-0010 also specifies procedures for reporting
measurement findings to ATR--GIE and prohibits the installation of
affected parts.
Safran Landing Systems SAS Service Bulletin 631-32-286, dated
October 28, 2022, provides the list of affected parts and specifies
measurement procedures.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 73 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
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Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170........................... $0 $170 $12,410
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2023-17-01 ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment
39-22527; Docket No. FAA-2023-1206; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-
00068-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 19, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all ATR--GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-200, -300, -320, and -500 airplanes; and
Model ATR72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing
gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that some batches of
nose landing gear (NLG) drag brace panels (DBP) having part number
(P/N) D63757 and P/N D69085 were affected by a quality deficiency
that was not detected in production. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the possibility of a resulting NLG DBP dissymmetry at the
lower area, which might affect the structural strength of the NLG
DBP. This condition, if not addressed, could lead to NLG DBP
structural fatigue failure and subsequent collapse of the NLG,
possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to
occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2023-0010, dated January 17, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0010).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0010
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0010 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0010.
(3) Where EASA AD 2023-0010 defines ``the SB,'' for this AD,
operators must use Safran Landing Systems SAS Service Bulletin 631-
32-286, dated October 28, 2022.
(4) Paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0010 specifies to report
measurement results to Safran Landing Systems SAS within a certain
compliance time. For this AD, report inspection results at the
applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(4)(i) or (ii) of this AD,
but do not exceed the compliance time specified in Table 1 of EASA
AD 2023-0010.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD.
(i) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
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request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the
International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1a23375b4c49375b5348372d292a375b5755595a7c7b7b347d756c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a99084e8fffa84e8e0fb849e9a9984e8e4e6eae9cfc8c887cec6df">[email protected]</span></a>. Before using any approved
AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a
principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards
Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or ATR--GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Shahram Daneshmandi,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206-231-3220; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#deadb6bfb6acbfb3f0babfb0bbadb6b3bfb0bab79eb8bfbff0b9b1a8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a5d6cdc4cdd7c4c88bc1c4cbc0d6cdc8c4cbc1cce5c3c4c48bc2cad3">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0010,
dated January 17, 2023.
(ii) Safran Landing Systems SAS Service Bulletin 631-32-286,
dated October 28, 2022.
(3) For EASA AD 2023-0010, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#91d0d5e2d1f4f0e2f0bff4e4e3fee1f0bff4e4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1f5e5b6c5f7a7e6c7e317a6a6d706f7e317a6a">[email protected]</span></a>; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA
AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) For Safran Landing Systems SAS service information, contact
Safran Landing Systems SAS, Inovel Parc Sud--7, rue
G[eacute]n[eacute]ral Val[eacute]rie Andr[eacute], 78140 VELIZY-
VILLACOUBLAY--FRANCE; telephone +33 (0) 1 46 29 81 00, website
<a href="http://safran-landing-systems.com">safran-landing-systems.com</a>.
(5) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(6) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e48296ca8d8a97948187908d8b8aa48a859685ca838b92"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="adcbdf83c4c3deddc8ced9c4c2c3edc3ccdfcc83cac2db">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on September 7, 2023.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-19900 Filed 9-13-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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